A Season with Mark DeRosa and Brandon Belt

Like Little Leaguers Again – Mark DeRosa

Someone told me yesterday that I hadn’t had a walk-off hit since 2007, and I joked, “I haven’t played since 2007.’’ That’s kind of how it feels, like I’ve been away from the game forever.

For two years, I’ve been running onto the field for everyone else’s heroics. Finally I got to come through with the game-winning hit Tuesday night.

“Show me some love!’’ I said to the guys when they rushed at me. “I want you to come get me this time!’’

A moment like that makes us all Little Leaguers again. The most grizzled veterans are leaping out of their shoes. It’s a moment of pure fun and excitement, and it recaptures everything we love about the game and why we ought to be grateful every single day that we get to do this for a living.

The irony of getting that big hit is that I had stopped trying to muscle the ball, something I realized just wasn’t working with my post-injury wrist. Pride and ego get in the way sometimes when you come up to the plate. You want to hit a home run; you want to drive the ball; you want everybody to go crazy. But I needed to concentrate on shortening my swing – basically taking a two-strike approach to all of my at-bats. It’s more like playing pepper with the ball. And these pitchers are throwing so hard that they supply the power for me.

I’m also a guy who likes being at the plate when the game’s on the line. You see certain guys shy away from it, and certain guys accept the responsibility. I once asked Derek Jeter why he’s so good in big situations. He said, “There’s nothing that’s going to happen out on the field tonight that hasn’t happened before. I’ve played great and I’ve played terrible. It’s going to be somewhere probably in the middle.’’

So that’s what I tell myself when I go to the plate: Just relax, have fun, soak it in.

And it’s working. I read all the stuff people were writing that maybe my career is over. But I didn’t feel that in my heart. And Tuesday’s hit, and frankly the way I’ve been hitting in general lately, is validation that I can still contribute.

The most dangerous part of Tuesday night came after the walk-off knock when Pablo launched into his crazy handshake with me. He has a different one for every guy. Mine ends in two forearm bashes, and let me tell you, Panda is throwing some lumber. But I was prepared and escaped with no breaks or bruises.

A few thoughts about Panda:

Everyone talks about his offense but he’s having a great year defensively, too. He has ungodly talent. As he matures and gets smarter and hopefully listens to Beltran a little bit, I expect to be watching him in the All-Star Game for a long time to come. The best compliment I can give him is the ball sounds different coming off his bat than it does with 99 percent of the players. And he loves the game so much it’s contagious. You can’t measure the value of someone like him in the dugout and in the clubhouse.

Thanks for reading. Heading to the field. See you back in San Francisco.

That was a big win for the Giants and especially for you, Mark! You’ve had a rough past two seasons but we look forward to a healthy, renewed DeRosa (and this post definitely attests to just that!) You bring great morale and leadership to the team. Keep it up!

Mark, you are what makes this game so fun to watch! A great lesson for all of us to never give up on your dream. If you had given up when people were saying you were through, you wouldn’t be here today…clutch hits, awesome defense, and all that is good about baseball!!

I love reading your blogs – you have such a down-to-earth attitude. And I love your animation in the dugout. Congrats on your successes both at bat and on the field recently. It’s great to hear that you are really appreciating this and soaking it all in.

And this is exactly why De Rosa is one of my most favorite Giants. I was at that game and my friend asked me who my favorite player was and I said De Rosa for his heart and passion and absolute love of the game. Keep it up! And thank you for all you have done for the team.

Mark– I can’t express how happy I was to see your big great smile after YOUR heroics the other night. SF Giants don’t underestimate your contributions even off the field. But your sheer determination is truly inspiring. I wish you continued success and many more years of better health.

I’m so happy that you guys look like you’re having fun out there again, especially after such a rough time. Really good to see Panda’s smile and all your enthusiasm and love for the game again, you guys were beginning to stress me out (lol). I also LOVED the title of your blog entry. I saw the Little League World Series champs on Jimmy Kimmel the other day and they were adorable!

It’s players like you that make me love the game of baseball. As much as I enjoy watching players who are expected to do well, actually do well, I think I enjoy players that aren’t expected to do much, do well more. hah

So good to see you back on the field! Been a big fan since your days as a Cub . . . we even drove all the way to Toronto to see you in the World Classic, and you didn’t play that day.😦 Love your enthusiasm and how you keep the clubhouse spirit up. Would love to see you play everyday again.

We loved your personal response to your walk off….I don’t think there was anyone who didn’t enjoy seeing your smile and the antics that followed. I love a player who plays from his heart and it’s evident you do. It’s not over, it’s just a new beginning for you…best of luck and keep it going!!

It’s great seeing you out there again, and it’s great to see everyone smiling for a change. It feels like we haven’t seen such a positive, light attitude in the dugout in ages – even though it’s only been a month or two. Congratulations, Mark!

Your enthusiasm for the Game is, as ever, scintillating! To read your words and “hear” your excitement about your big walk off hit, made ME feel so happy for YOU. I moved back to my hometown of Chicago after living in New Jersey right when you joined the Cubs. I was immediately taken by your “love of the game”; that KID in you that just beemed excitement to be at the Friendly Confines every day. I have been a fan of yours every day since. It broke my heart when you were traded from the Cubs. But I’m glad you’re with San Fran. My younger brother and his wife live right off of the Marina, so I get out West once in a while. Still, it’s more difficult to keep up with your progress, but I am so genuinely happy for you Mark. You are one of the good guys and you really deserve some more time back at that game you love so much. God bless you and your beautiful family. Smack one for me, Lynne

Hi Mark,
I just discovered this blog today. Wow, already knew u were a scholar (Wharton) athlete (QB 9-0 record, bb, etc.), but wow, what a writer! You and Brandon should write all the Club’s communiques!

Wanted to say CONGRATS to you for the big clutch hits of the past few weeks! Have always appreciated your D (one of my fav plays of the year w/ you @ 3B wz your “assist” to Huff, madly screaming/pointing back to 1B for the out, as he was preparing to throw to 3B, in Chi against Cubs.)

Wish all the hitters would read your account of what hinders a hitter at the plate; the irony of hitting more effectively is to not try so hard to impress (ego, pride, etc).

RSS

Subscribe

The following are trademarks or service marks of Major League Baseball entities and may be used only with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. or the relevant Major League Baseball entity: Major League, Major League Baseball, MLB, the silhouetted batter logo, World Series, National League, American League, Division Series, League Championship Series, All-Star Game, and the names, nicknames, logos, uniform designs, color combinations, and slogans designating the Major League Baseball clubs and entities, and their respective mascots, events and exhibitions.